Metallics

Many of our staff have a career background in the metals industries, and are qualified professional metallurgists. Although we have a particular specialism in testing steel for applications in structural concrete, our test equipment is equally capable of conducting a wide range of tests on many structural metallic materials. Our sophisticated, computer controlled test machines can be programmed to conduct the more sophisticated tests, such as fracture toughness as well as the more conventional tension, compression, flexure or shear tests. We have fully programmable controllers which can be adapted for complex cyclic loading or strain patterns, and all data can be downloaded for subsequent analysis where required. With test machines ranging from 10kN to 1500kN capacity, we will almost certainly have a machine appropriate to the dimensions and loads required by your samples.

In addition to our static loading frames, we also have six fatigue test machines, with load capacity varying from 100kN to 400kN. Some of these are fully programmable, and are able to conduct complex loading patterns at closely controlled loads and test frequencies.

Because our professional staff all have research experience, we are equally at home developing bespoke or non-standard tests, as well as conducting our wide scope of UKAS accredited tests. We have our own in-house machine shop for the preparation of samples and the manufacture of bespoke test rigs where required. Our testing facilities can easily be integrated into your R&D programmes.

As well as our ambient temperature testing, we are able to conduct tests in environmental chambers at temperatures in the range -70C to +250C. Higher temperature tests in the creep range are outsourced to partner laboratories, but our expertise in specifying test conditions and interpreting results can be invaluable.